Tag Archives: Revolution

What is the purpose of our existence if we can’t be true to ourselves?! Are we created to be made – or just to be?

The answers have always been simple, it’s the quest that determines our strength and persistence. It takes courage to remain loyal to yourself and avoid man-made distortions. Living in the Middle-east is uneasy and being a female who happened to be different makes it worse. Choosing to be true to yourself is SUICIDAL.

Over time everything changes. You get to learn that traditions are volatile. Self-discovery is essential, challenging society and questioning dogma are the noblest acts. Nevertheless, it is not an easy journey. The cattle will stand out to you, vilify and attack you. They will delude you to believe that there is no choice and that we are merely owned. The path to enlightenment is loaded with thorns, but what is bliss if not for the struggle.

We rant and whine “Life is cruel” but life has disowned us long ago. Life is not to blame, it’s what we made out of life.

They established laws to mold societies and shape future. It is your choice, will you lose yourself to conformity or seize your liberty?

Limits are an illusion, our strength is infinite and freedom lies in resistance.

I wanted to call my piece “born in Egypt” but I found “made in Egypt” more appropriate, eventually in this country we are more of “made” NOT “born”; born suggests living with free will and free will is the mother of sins where I come from.

Usually I end every year with positive thoughts and bright new year resolution, but who am I fooling, we all survive here with a manual of terms and conditions…. and once you decide to oppose the herd, you become a misfit like me.

Let me introduce the external shell, on a professional level I am doing pretty well and thankfully, my lifetime war with family and society ended up with victory. But the price of where I am and who I am was/remains unbearable, for I decided to be my true self and speak out loud in a country that despises freedom, let alone a woman who speaks of freedom.

I am angry.

I am full of rage, I can no longer handle the way this society perceives me. I am tired of explaining and expressing that I might be human after all. I am severely sick from hearing “Rana, regardless of your eccentricity and odd thoughts, you are good – genuine -trustworthy and supportive.” these statements don’t make me feel proud, it suffocates me, it’s like a razor blade piercing each and every ounce of hope that I create from shattered pieces to hold on, survive…. Breathe.

I am dissapointed

Once upon a time there was a revolution, we all had hope, we live in an utopic delusion – we sensed euphoria and we failed to understand that it’s just momentarily.

Our hopes and dreams faded because of everything we failed to understand. Not only an oppressive rooted regime – but our corrupt morals, fragile ethics and HYPOCRISY.

How did we manage to fool ourselves? Change? Freedom? Are you kidding me? How could we expect change when we barley face ourselves with our misfortunes. When we breath hypocrisy, when we betray everyone even ourselves on daily bases?

How could you speak of freedom when you still believe that atheists, agnostics etc. should be sentenced to death? What part of the word “freedom” allows you to harass me just because I am different, how could you speak of human rights when you insult, hurt, mislead dozens of people for nothing other than personal reason rooted in your distort mind.

How am I writing all of this while I hurt many people along the way due to the circus in my mind and the traumas I can’t defeat yet. I might have not hurt anyone “intentionally” but I did by every mean during the war with myself. I am as corrupt…

I am numb

I have lost touch with my feelings, 2015 is such an enlightenment. I got to see the raw ugly image of my society, my people… I wonder why am I surprised? Am I that naive?

However, being numb is pretty useful my friends. I don’t get shocked from daily sexual and verbal harassment anymore, I just live with it – After all, I am an Egyptian pierced and tattooed, I am definitely asking for it, if I was a foreigner then I wouldn’t be asking for this but being Egyptian and different equates and invitation for everyone to occupy my body or at least pierce my brain… What’s the big deal anyway?

Someone told me few days ago that I “escape” from my emotions and I runaway from feelings… Seriously! Why is it hard to absorb my numbness… Live with it, I am not there….

If you live in a country where people resist Police and military abuse and torture but they don’t have the guts to speak of domestic violence and child abuse. What change are you expecting?

If you live in a country where many people would fight sexual harassment but wouldn’t dare to open topics like incest and parental abuse. How can we forge change?

If we live in a country where people still consider parenthood as a sacred institution and domestic violence is god given right, how the fuck will we change anything?

If we are living in a country where men are granted to fool around and cheat while women would be tortured to death in the name of honor. Will we ever witness critical change?

Bottom line

“There can’t be large scale revolution until there’s a revolution on an individual level”

Mohamed Mahmoud where speaking out “Down with military role, Down with Muslim Brotherhood” is met with live ammunition and internationally prohibited chemical gases.

Mohamed Mahmoud where there was no inch left without blood.

Mohamed Mahmoud where security forces fired at field hospitals.

Mohamed Mahmoud where we shared immortal scars.

Mohamed Mahmoud is when insomnia started, when I still struggle to get two continuous hours sleeping without bloody flashbacks. Where blood scenes haunt me regardless, haunts me during sleep, as soon as I walk nearby, as close as I get to a friend who was standing next to me in front lines. When getting dressed up, partying and writing cheerful words is nothing but a state of denial that fades away as soon as memories trigger.

I though that I am strong enough, but I am not, I miss the girl I used to be before the revolution and as much as I was irresponsible, plastic and careless, I could sleep!!

I am not strong, I am scared, devastated and desperate, and for that I am not myself anymore, I scream out, I wear masks and I do everything to convince myself of my inner strength. During the past years, I loved people and I hurt them back, I pushed away many fearful of the nightmare of losing anyone, My worst demons controlled me and ironically, I wasn’t weak, on the contrary, I was so egoistic, and so tough on myself in order to continue and stand still. I got disappointed, I was betrayed by every mean as all the hopes which came with the revolution are nothing but a parallel illusion.

I am sorry for those I hurt on the way, I am sorry that you crossed my chaotic path, I am sorry for not being able to keep being my truly self with you… I was scared for anyone to sense the deep craved insecurities.

It’s funny that from the outside my life is heading towards the right path, yet I remain struggling with flashbacks and the current state of the country, I FORGOT HAPPINESS, I am desperate of tasting an ounce of momentarily happiness but it’s not there anymore. Happiness is also a luxury.. Not for me, not for us.

I am tired of standing still, I am sick of facing my worst demons everyday, I am exhausted from racing in the same circle. I miss my father, I miss who I really am, I miss the days of the 25th of January, I miss my secret dilemma, my teenage dream that remains haunting me. I miss you!

This is one of the few times I decide to confront myself with many issues that I choose to ignore, trying to be “positive”-trying to be the girl “I used to be”-the one who would move around making everyone smile, regardless of her own personal struggle. Honestly, at this point I could smoothly disconnect from my pain and enjoy every beautiful moment with my buddies.

Almost 4 years ago my life was completely different, quite simple. I was the same outgoing crazy eccentric girl,who was looking deeply in despair for a closure, but she could just shine and smile regardless, isolate her pain deeply, making it unseen. I went to the square and joined the crowd, I never thought that this experience would change everything I am-the way I look to humans, the way I accept universe.

My mother advised me a lot that joining the protests is not good for my mental state, not to mention being close to death.. However, I thought I am finally doing something.. I have passion for a bigger cause, as if all the personal goals were stripped out of my mind. The world finally made sense, and through all these crazy events and clashes, BLOOD AND DEATH, I finally got my closure, the questions that was graved in my heart years ago, are finally answered. Ironically, at this time it didn’t seem as important as it seemed before, seeing his face and looking into his deep blue eyes didn’t ache as I thought it would, maybe, because I was actually getting ready to go to the streets and join a protest, my mind was occupied with tear gas and live ammunition that talking to him after 2 and half years of searching in despair didn’t make any difference. Eventually, I got to answer a question he asked before “Could I make it on my own?” my answer was “Hell yes!”

Having said all of that and without digging deeper in the days of the lost revolution, this morning I found out that revolution is certainly a personal event, I am not the same person I used to be, and I truly miss that cheerful shiny girl and through my continuous trials to get her back, I end up stuck between the girl before January 25th 2011, and the girl I am today. My desires and aspirations remain the same on a personal level, but what happens everyday on a universal level makes me uncertain that anything can ever go right. I wish I could turn back the hands of time and cease every moment I had.. I wish it was easier to accept and believe that man-made traditions, religions and borders would eventually put as apart. I come to confess that your insecure dilemma is not different from mine.

To believe that being perfectionist is another mental struggle, to believe that going on and off from craziness don’t help. To accept that I will never be the same girl I used to be, and how can I after all these flashbacks of blood shed, betrayal and violence. Maybe I should let go of our secret shame, maybe I should relax and say “it’s OK” other than destroying myself. As I am writing this vague stories, I know you will only understand and relate, and we will remain silent.

“This is the end, behind the corner he is watching solely, breathing her well being like a loath of the purest oxygen. On her land she still longs for a girl she used to be, connected to their memories and lost in their presence, not only for love but for when she was truly herself.”

If there could be a word to describe my current state, it would be complete disgust. I am completely sick from society. Yes, I am Egyptian, I took a part in the revolution; and I admit the majority are complete hypocrites. No wonder why Egypt is going backwards before/after the revolution. I cannot help but being very angry, because every day the degraded situation reminds me of the way people gave-up everything for a so-called stability. However, stability does not only include money and life style; actually, stability in Egypt is everything accompanies negativity.

Recently religion is far from its true purpose, and please away from” my personal beliefs.” I guess Religion is meant for purification, a guide in life and thanking god through worshiping rituals. However, in Egypt/Mideast its quiet different Religion is used to judge, control, not only political control (that is new trend.) But also, in social level; from school to family. How many times did your parents use religious verses in order to scare you? How many times we were told to obey our parents’ orders with no argument because ‘’God said so!’’? How much were you deprived from ‘’freedom of choice’’ and ‘’freedom of speech’’ under the name of ‘’obeying your parents equals obeying God’’?

I remember that the previous questions has countless answers, and I remember that the ‘’don’t argue quote’’ did nothing but making me much stubborn, it took me long time to figure out who I really am; and it’s not an easy choice when you choose to be yourself regardless of the out-come. Nevertheless, the rules and speeches I heard while growing up did not make any damn sense. Actually, hypocrisy caught my attention and I figured out later that ‘’hypocrisy leads to virtue in the modern society.’’ In Egypt and Mideast, there are various static rules, which do not make any sense:

A: You should come back home at 10 pm.

B: What about my brother, he stays out all night?

A: Darling he can party all night long, he is simply male.

I never understood terms of gender segregation; elders say they these rules protect girls from what so ever, but that does not make any sense. Come-on ‘’If a girl decided to do anything, she will do it! Stupid curfews or constant control will not make any difference.

”Man are free, eventually he will settle down with the pure grounded girl, who does not have any past relation-ships, a girl who is religious and strict.’’ In our society, men can fool around, have sex, get drunk and do whatever comes to their minds. However, he still has the absolute right to seek the grounded virgin; and if the girl was quiet different, his family can simply reject although, they are aware of every detail of his life, but the lame excuse is ‘’He is a man.” Nevertheless, as for us girls, we are chained with the damned girl’s reputation and all of this non-sense talk aimed to lead to Mr. Perfect.

PS. Mr. Perfect has nothing to do with female’s image of prince charming; he has to be the parent’s prince charming. In other words he has to charm the family with bank account, fancy car etc. However, the girl will have to be charmed forcibly.

The number of families in the 21st century who still believe that the only job that fits women is being a housewife, is unbelievable. I am personally annoyed from the comments I hear daily from ‘’elders’’ concerning marriage. LOL

These are just few examples concerning gender segregation. However, hypocrisy comes as a full package, when you learn how to pretend perfectly and fake who you really are, then everything becomes easier and when double-standards identifies your society, when honesty is considered as unacceptable boldness ‘’ Just because you are female.’’ I confess that wearing a headscarf, conforming and avoiding speaking out loud would make life muchhhhhhhhh easier. I should just join the hypocrisy club for free!

Eventually, it disgusts me how they use religion to justify everything including gender segregation. When some man gives you speeches about virtue although, he goes back home and watch pornography all night long, when they insult homosexuals/feminine looking man because its Forbidden ”7aram” However, they are on their way to the bar . When they criticize western life-style while they are deeply longing for it, And if they got an opportunity to travel there, of course they do and they conform perfectly; When some ignorant men believes that being open-minded/different means you I am available!

”Apparently in Mideast Religion went commercial and became a profession.”

Like this:

Few months ago I was walking with my friend not too far from my home trying to find a taxi in the crowded streets of Cairo. Suddenly a group of men surrounded us making unexpected gestures and verbally harassing as usual, as soon as someone said ”foreigners” my friend lost her temper and yelled ”we are Egyptians.” I looked around me and I starred at people, they were just watching, completely apathetic! All I could do is grabbing my friend and escape before they could touch our bodies-which they certainly consider cheap. As soon as we ran few steps away, they threw water bottles-stones and metal canisters, and as it could not get any better a couple of cars stopped and the drivers offered a ride. However, decency was not the intention, just rude unjustified flirtation. Cab drivers refused to stop apparently, they enjoyed the scene, as if we were witches burnt alive in the Mid. Era and angry citizens enjoyed the rituals.

Finally we found a cab, and I remembered the revolution, the endless hope; Utopia that I witnessed in Tahrir square. The million marches when people fought side-by-side united and earthly lust just vanished. I wondered is it about sexual frustration, LACK OF HOPE or PATRIARCHY?!

The answer was simple it is patriarchy, a monster that survives on women’s humiliation. I do not know what happened to Egypt, I watched my family’s albums when women were respected-free and elegant, and masculinity could not infect our culture. How did it all start ?! nations develop but Egypt went backwards…100 years backwards.

First sexual assault incident is always present, the unforgettable details, the beige pants and the white shirt I wore, the ring that became too small for my fingers ”I am growing up, I will wear high heels and I will put on lipstick very soon.” candies and chocolates that symbolized paradise. The man who distorted my childhood, that conflict when everything falls apart and growing up became a nightmare. I did not understand why did he touch my behind, but my instincts kicked in, I was overwhelmed, and scared. I looked behind, our eyes met and with an evil grin, he starred; and the disgusting pleasure darkened his ugly face. The moment he touched me he left a scar that still bleeds, sharp blades went through my body and veins, I suffocated. Ironically, my father was right next to me, I did not speak; I just could not.

”EGYPT, BEAUTIFUL EGYPT”
I grew up studying and learning about the culture, The lost historyvs. Modified history. I do not know how I kept my love and devotion for this country. However, running away was a mere solution once and it comes back from time to time. My parents were open-minded enough to warn me: ”If any stranger touches you, you have got to inform us immediately.”
The advice was a bit too late, because they did not imagine that it will happen extremely early, but it would not make any difference for an appalled child. It took me quiet long time to understand that I am not to blame, and being a female isn’t a sin.

I have learned from the novels and plays I read during growing up that the beautiful princess is always cursed but eventually, prince charming comes out of nowhere to rescue her, the truth is prince charming is such a myth. The Middle Eastern prince charming would be seeking to rescue the princess by getting into her pants and the princess is not always beautiful, she can be just vulnerable or too eccentric according to society’s beliefs, and eventually the female is always to blame.

During middle school, the head scarf trend started to spread, and I used to ask my girlfriends why did you cover your head? I have never heard a convincing answer. Actually, we were too young.. However, only one thing makes sense ‘’Protecting ourselves from harassment.’’ Ironically, the majorities in Mideast always justify and analyze sexual harassment according to the following:

Women are to blame, their clothes are too exposed and males cannot control their sexuality.

Egypt is poor country, they majority cannot afford buying a house and getting married, that is why they cannot help touching women.

Satellite and internet are to blame, Pornography and music videos are such a turn on, and how can they help not harassing women when they watch that every day.

Women must be blamed, recently they are advocating for gender equality. Why do they complain?!

When I was younger I tried to convince myself with these absurd allegations, but during my journey in exploring the world, I came up with many answers for instance:

When the pedophile harassed me, I was TOO YOUNG and TOO FLAT to seduce him.

Veiled women get harassed just like any other women, as long as you do not have penis you are a victim of pervert’s exploration.

Sexual harassment is universal pandemic disorder, it has nothing to do with economic conditions or sexual frustration, we are born with a free will; and my sexual harassment diary does not only include uneducated men or random guys, I believe a decent looking man with a Mercedes car can afford marriage! TRUE STORY.

Technology is not exclusive for men, guess what we have internet and satellite as well, we watch sexy men every day, and those who are not fans of pornography, watch sensual romance scenes. However, we do not go around harassing men. If I have a wish, it would be SMASHING THEIR BALLS.

Yes, I personally believe we are equal, and females are capable of everything. I can shave my head and join the battlefield. However, women are not seeking SEXUAL ASSAULT EQUALITY.

Growing up in a country that prevents women from freedom of expression, freedom of choice and yet blames women for getting humiliated is extremely disgusting. When religion is mistranslated, and head scarf became only a protection from sexual frustration then we do have a damned problem.

I cannot argue or even talk about religion; it is not my job. Nevertheless, on mere human basis I am completely sick of being blamed of men failures and sin addiction, I am sick of being harassed daily, and as soon as I scream and fight back, I hear humiliating comments from men and women:

‘’Look at the slut, with piercings and strange look, why are you screaming at him, your looks calls aloud for harassment.’’

When I hear this I have a strong feeling, an angry urge of burning everything down, I wish I can walk around with my diary, I wish I can tell every shallow human being that I actually covered my head once, yes I did!! Because some ugly stupid woman told me that, my father will be burning in hell if I did not, and I was 14 years old only!
I wonder how the hell do they decide who is going to hell and who is visiting their HEAVEN why the hell the majority now are playing god’s hand on earth!

I am a big believer and supporter of freedom personal choices, but I am not flawless and I cannot help being angry when I realize that the fake exterior figure can help sometimes, help getting away from humiliating comments, help avoiding family arguments, and a cruel society. It is shameful realizing that being honest is actually much worse than being hypocrite covering her body. It is annoying when I see a girl holding her boyfriend in the street and they start bullying and yes I care enough to look if they are wearing rings, but they are not.. She is just wearing a headscarf.

PS. Covering up my body, does not make me safe. Nevertheless, being quiet different and unveiled gives a stronger justification for perverts.

Yesterday I went to the ‘’women’s cabin’’ in the subway and women were fighting with a man who joined it. I argued with him as well, as for the other women he kept saying lame excuses ” it is empty here, I am tired from work, and didn’t they ask for equality after the revolution’’ but his repeatable humiliating answer for me was:‘’Someone like you should not argue, cover your head first then talk to me.’’
I answered ‘’Are you justifying your wrong action with humiliating me?.’’
He yelled ‘’ If I had a daughter like you, I would kill her, my wife and daughters are wearing Burqa.’’ AKA Niqab. .
The reasons for bringing up his so-called religious family history are still anonymous. However, I was one-step close from slapping him.

PS. I was wearing long t-shirt and sneakers, nothing to seduce that pervert!

From the few situations I mentioned earlier, I came-up with one conclusion humans fear difference as we all know, but in my society, It is quiet different, because difference does not scare them off. However, speaking out loud and pointing to their shameful habits terrifies them. I am too eccentric because I am bold yet honest.

They reject resisting their addictive lusts, they ignore the major moral dilemma, and unfortunately religions are distorted as it became a tool to justify their misfortunes. In Mideast, we need revolution against hypocrisy & ignorance.

– Judge’s review: 3rd place “In the Streets of Cairo” by Rana Hassanen, age 24,Egypt.

”The essay captures the chaotic atmosphere of Cairo before, during, and after the initial Egyptian revolution, with the author sharing her transformation from naively assuming the army was a force dedicated to protecting the Egyptian people to the understanding its brutal capacity. She describes the difficult decision to go to join the protests in the streets and the turbulent scenes that followed the removal of President Mubarak as protesters continued to press their demands. The issue raised is one relevant to many Mideast countries undergoing a revolutionary change of leadership: Will genuine individual rights for all emerge or will the old repressive order simply be preserved under new management?”

“NO, I am not moving from here, I am waiting for my friend. Are you listening to me? The
military is not going to attack the protesters, we are one hand.”

I looked at my friend appalled. I did not believe that the military forces were going to attack the protesters. However, merely before I started to argue, the soldiers attacked. Their shimmering helmets and protective shields reminded me of the so-called riot control tactical forces known as central security, but that night was the first chapter of the military repression.

Mubarak had stepped down, and it was our absolute right to demand a new revolutionary government. I tried to figure out what was happening, but suddenly my best friend came running toward me. I felt slightly relieved, and we escaped to the side streets. Protesters chanted “Ahmed Shafik – void.” Other protesters yelled with a strident voice: “If the military attacks us then there is nothing left to live for.”

That was one of the most harrowing moments I experienced since January 25/28, 2011. Although, the clashes with central security forces were incredibly violent, I was terribly confused to the extent that I believed that state security agents were dressed in Army uniform in order to destroy the strong bond between the armed forces and the revolution.

General Al-Fangary saluted the martyrs on national Television after Mubarak’s resignation, and that scene was engraved in my heart. I was unaware that the Supreme Council of Armed Forces had an ulterior purpose. I was merely naïve because the council is part of the former regime.

“I am fine,” I said. Ramy Hamdy responded: ‘’Thank God’’ and then he complained to my friend about my stubborn behavior – as I did not want to run until she was safe. On this night, I did not expect that the military forces were later going to kill my Tahririan friend Ramy Hamdy on December 20.

Three years ago, I had never expected to be where I am today. I believed my life would have gone down a completely different path. I have been growing up in an outstanding country, endowed with contradictions. Do not be fooled by the beautiful areas all over Egypt, because few minutes away another area is located. It is neither quiet nor peaceful. The residents are poor, oppressed, and deprived of beautiful scenery. Fresh water could be their greatest expectation. In my country, people are accustomed to seeing homeless children constantly. Consequently, it is normal for people to walk by children sleeping on a boulevard.

“The police and the people are in the Nation’s service” had been the slogan of the Ministry of Interior Affairs. In fact, the police were a repression tool to comfort corrupt elite. Therefore, Egyptians went to the streets In January 25, 2011, demanding “bread, freedom and social justice.”

Going to the streets was not an easy decision. Nevertheless, I chose not to be apathetic. I decided to go whatever it would take. Even if my fear of sexual harassment equaled my fear of live ammunition – and being there in front of security forces offers a combination of both.

On the subway, people were lackadaisical as usual, and I was concerned about state security agents who were dressed in civilian clothes who would arrest any revolutionary suspect.

Upon my arrival to Tahrir, I was overwhelmed with chaotic feelings. The square looked different, I could feel a fresh breeze, the protesters were energetic, and steadfast regardless of tear gas, and live ammunition. The chants were forthright like a rhapsody. The security forces were standing like puppets in rows, solid faces longing for violence. By midnight they started to attack. Apparently, Tahrir had to be evacuated by any means.

The forces cordoned Mustafa Mahmoud mosque as I joined my friend on “Friday of Rage” marches that were planned to start at mosques all over Egypt. “Do you think the same crowd will join this march?” I asked my friend with anxiety. “Egyptians are apathetic. Better not to have high expectations.” She answered. “People demand the removal of the regime.” A voice came from the crowd and suddenly protesters coalesced from side streets and security forces were forced to open the cordon.

I learned how to imprison pain and continue my fight on Kasr Al-Nile Bridge. Someone close was shot. “There are snipers!” people screamed. Meanwhile security forces fired live ammunition, tear gas canisters and rubber bullets; armored vehicles ran over the protesters brutally. “Mona where are you?” I screamed. “Do not look backwards,” an old man yelled while protecting me. I ran until I found Mona, I grabbed her hand, and we were hyper-ventilating until we became safe. “We were close to the armored vehicle’’ I said. She trembled. “So close.”

I went to Talaat Harb Street in Tahrir to help secure the sit-in. “Hello do you need some help?” I asked. “Yes, sure – I am Ramy Hamdy – What is your name?” With a beautiful grin Ramy answered. He looked exhausted, clearly having slept in the square since January 28.

Memories returned on my way back home on February 26 after the military’s violent attack to disperse our second peaceful sit-in. “Do you remember the camel battle?” I reminisced. “Of course,” my friend responded. “Why did the military stay still while we were being attacked for more than 16 hours? Military doctrine forbids attacking civilians, how the hell did they attack
today?!” We fell silent. Nevertheless, we were certain that soon things will become crystal clear. Tyrants cannot pretend for long, a lesson we have learned from the revolution.

On March 9, 2011 the military violently dispersed another peaceful sit-in, brutally tortured the protesters by the Egypt Museum, and forcibly administrated shameful virginity tests on female detainees. On April 8, the military forces attacked the square in order to arrest the young military officers who joined a peaceful sit-in. Ali Maher was killed and 71 others injured. It was either compliance for SCAF, or detention and torture. SCAF was completely against liberating Egypt.

“Down with military rule” chants were like an earthquake on our way to the Ministry of Defense on July 23. After a peaceful sit-in in Tahrir Square from early July, protesters decided to march to the ministry. At the Abbasiya District the military forces blocked the streets, and we were cordoned from all sides. In addition, thugs attacked from side streets. Deja-vu like the camel battle, the forces remained silent, while thugs attacked peaceful protesters. Soldiers were protecting Al-Nour mosque and pointing their weapons towards us. Eventually, the security forces spewed tear gas; we were completely drained and nearly suffocated. On that day
Mohamed Mohsen was martyred and hundreds were injured.

October 9, the ugly face of the military was revealed with the unexpected Masbero massacre. “Did we become inconsequential?” I screamed while watching the videos. I felt worthless. The general state all over Egypt became gloomy, hope started to vanish. However, Muslims and Christians stood side by side at the Cathedral, and marched to Tahrir Square carrying Mina Daniel’s body. Consequently, I was certain that they can take everything but they can’t kill our unity.

Research has shown that chemical gas was used in the Mohamed Mahmoud clashes. The Ministry of Interior Affairs announced that no live ammunition or rubber pullets were used. In order to justify excessive violence, the military announced that the protesters tried to break into the ministry. The armed forces believed that making such allegations made them irreproachable. Apparently the corrupt remains are unaware that bloodshed made us stronger. We are determined, and we will keep fighting peacefully to liberate Egypt after 60 years of military repression.

“It’s my birthday, can you believe that? I am spending my Birthday in Tahrir square.” I laughed. “The security forces and SCAF threw an amazing party – Happy birthday, dear!” Ramy Hamdy responded. I left him and I went near to Mohamed Mahmoud Street. I did not know that the Talaat Harb gate would be the first and last stop of our friendship. In less than one month, on December 20, Ramy was martyred with a treacherous bullet from the military forces. During the Battle of the Cabinet, 18 were killed and more than 900 injured. Soldiers dragged women in the streets violently. The majority started to be apathetic again. But we will keep fighting for freedom, for eliminating the military state.

After a few hours the presidential elections will start, and my vote will be counted. The Supreme Council of Armed Forces is not going to give up the military state easily, but youth will record corruption during the elections. People died for this moment and the revolution is continuous.

“To those who can hear me, I say – do not despair. The misery that is now upon us is but the passing of greed – the bitterness of men who fear the way of human progress. The hate of men will pass, and dictators die, and the power they took from the people will return to the people.And so long as men die, liberty will never perish… Soldiers! Don’t give yourselves to brutes – men who despise you – enslave you – who regiment your lives – tell you what to do – what to think and what to feel! Who drill you – diet you – treat you like cattle, use you as cannon fodder. Don’t give yourselves to these unnatural men – machine men with machine minds and machine hearts! You are not machines! You are not cattle! You are men! You have the love of humanity in your hearts! You don’t hate! Only the unloved hate – the unloved and the unnatural! Soldiers! Don’t fight for slavery! Fight for liberty!”